The Nation Newspaper

Category: Maritime

  • APM Terminals, NDLEA collaborate against drug trafficking at Lagos ports

    APM Terminals, NDLEA collaborate against drug trafficking at Lagos ports

    In a strong show of public-private partnership, APM Terminals, Apapa, is collaborating with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to combat drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria’s port corridors, particularly in Apapa and Tin Can Island.

    The collaboration was announced as part of activities marking the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

    The global event, commemorated annually, aims to foster international cooperation in the fight against drug abuse. This year’s theme, “The Evidence Is Clear: Invest in Prevention, Break the Cycle”, underscores the urgent need to build resilient societies by addressing the root causes of drug use through education, healthcare, justice, and social development. It also calls for breaking the grip of organised crime on global drug trafficking.

    Welcoming stakeholders at the event in Apapa, Assistant Comptroller General of Narcotics, Buba Wakawa, Commander of the NDLEA Apapa Strategic Command, described the theme as a perfect match for the objectives of the agency’s flagship campaign, War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), initiated by NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd).

    Wakawa revealed that the Apapa Command had successfully intercepted 14 containers laden with psychotropic substances in the past year, including 744,635 bottles of codeine-based syrup and 36,652,460 tablets of tramadol, weighing a combined 132 tonnes.

    “That’s almost 36 million tablets of tramadol that never made it into our streets. The implications for our society, if they had, would have been catastrophic,” he said, crediting the feat to the synergy between the NDLEA and other security agencies.

    He warned that the fight against drugs must be a collective societal effort. “Our common enemies are the drug peddlers who fuel insecurity and destroy the health of our youth. No one is exempt from the consequences of drug abuse,” he stated.

    Also, the Commander of NDLEA’s Tin Can Strategic Command noted that the command has seized over 30 tons of illicit drugs, including amphetamines, tramadol, codeine, and cocaine, within the past year.

    He emphasised the importance of intelligence-sharing, citing collaboration with British border agencies and other international partners to trace shipments from drug-exporting countries such as Brazil, Malaysia, and Canada.

    Read Also: NDLEA destroys 30 hectares of cannabis farm in C’River

    He added that maritime collaboration was essential: “We work with shipping lines and port operators to track suspicious cargo. The manifest is a critical document, and we rely on accurate data to intercept illicit substances before they enter Nigeria.”

    Representing APM Terminals at the event, Health and Safety Executive Emmanuel Uko affirmed the company’s full commitment to the anti-drug campaign.

    “We say, let’s break the cycle. At APM Terminals, we stand firmly with NDLEA. We support this initiative not only as a corporate social responsibility but because we see the real-life consequences when truck drivers and port users operate under the influence,” Uko said.

    He emphasised that APM Terminals enforces a strict zero-drug-and-alcohol policy and is keen on collaborating further with the NDLEA to strengthen port safety protocols.

    “This issue goes beyond compliance — it’s about saving lives. We will continue to review our internal processes and explore new ways to support NDLEA’s efforts,” he added.

    The event highlighted a united front in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking, blending government enforcement with private sector advocacy and reinforcing the urgent call to “invest in prevention” to build safer communities.

  • Hydrography agency drives Tinubu’s blue economy initiatives – CEO

    Hydrography agency drives Tinubu’s blue economy initiatives – CEO

    The Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of National Hydrography Agency (NHA), Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode, said the agency is dedicated to advancing the blue economy initiatives and maritime safety of the present administration through enhanced hydrographic data.

    He said the agency is also ready to advance African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) goals through hydrographic initiatives that foster safe navigation, trade facilitation, and Africa’s maritime competitiveness.

    Olugbode said this while speaking during the World Hydrography Day/West Africa Hydrographic Summit, themed: “Seabed Mapping – Enabling Ocean Action,” in Abuja, at the weekend.

    The Nation reports that Nigeria has contributed 85,325 square kilometers to the global seabed mapping initiative for effective sea governance, and it’s targeting about 12 million USD as annual revenue from the 90 USD worth global market for Electronic Navigational Charts.

    According to Olugbode, the World Hydrography Day celebration 2025/West Africa Hydrographic Summit was not just a celebration of surveys and charts, but a moment to reflect on the immense responsibilities to map, protect, and sustainably manage our vast maritime spaces for the benefit of future generations. 

    He said: “At the National Hydrographic Agency (NHA), we continue to lead this charge with a clear national mandate and a strong regional vision.

    “In the last year alone, we have expanded our chart production capabilities, deepened our technical expertise, and strengthened our collaborative ties with the Nigerian Navy, academia, and the private sector.”

    Olugbode emphasized that as hydrographic data becomes increasingly vital to maritime safety, transportation, and trade, the NHA is poised to contribute to a more interconnected and economically empowered West Africa.

    “In particular, we have promoted unbroken bilateral and international engagements with other nations and international partners such as the International Centre for Electronic Navigational Charts (IC-ENC) and International Board on Standards and Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers (IBS),” he said.

    He stressed that hydrography, while foundational to our Blue Economy and maritime awareness, extends far beyond traditional surveying and mapping, noting that it “informs coastal planning, marine conservation, fisheries management, and disaster risk reduction, making it a cornerstone of our collective ocean future – reliant on both technology and people.”

    Olugbode said the World Hydrography Day celebration 2025 was a rallying point for cooperation among nations, coordination among institutions, and collaboration among sectors. 

    Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, said, in his remarks, that the recent Bakassi Deep Seaport Survey by the NHA would enhance national and regional trade. 

    Otu, who was represented his Deputy, Peter Odey, described the survey as a landmark initiative that underscored the importance of precise hydrographic data in driving infrastructure development and regional trade.

    He said that hydrography was crucial for shaping the nation’s maritime future, ensuring safe navigation, managing marine resources, and protecting ecosystem.

    According to him, as a coastal state, Cross River State recognises the value of accurate seabed mapping in unlocking the potential of our blue economy.

    The Obong of Calabar, Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, advocated more investment in ocean literacy for the youths and building of a blue economy that is inclusive, respectful and wise.

    He said the Gulf of Guinea and Nigerian coastal waters are vibrant arches of commerce, culture, and identity.

    According to him, the ocean was not just a distant concept but the cradle of civilisation, a gateway to knowledge, trade, diplomacy, and spiritual bonds for the African people.

    “Recent hydrographic solutions will support the equilibrium and health of our ecosystems.” 

    The Director, International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO), Rear Admiral Luigi Sinapi, said the World Hydrography Day 2025 captured not only the essence of our culture, but also the extent of our culture.

    He said the event emphasized that African countries are not only active participants in the global hydrography system but also have their own navigation agenda, which is crucial for “global social action, encompassing climate resilience, protection costs, offshore energy development, sustainable fisheries, and marine conservation.”  

  • Actualising Tinubu’s maritime sector vision

    Actualising Tinubu’s maritime sector vision

    President Bola Tinubu set an ambitious plan for the maritime sector, necessitating the creation of a full-fledged ministry to harness the marine and ocean resources which he envisioned could match the returns from the oil and gas sector to deliver tangible returns for the Federal Government. With the challenge in view, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, with requisite approvals from the Minister of Marine and the Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola and  has taken steps to actualise the set goals of the government, writes Group Business Editor, SIMEON EBULU.

    Part of President Bola Tinubu’s vision for the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), is to transform it into a more efficient, productive and competitive maritime logistics hub for Africa. This includes enhancing operational efficiency, reducing costs and improving the overall user experience in Nigerian ports. By extension, it is envisioned also to leverage the marine and blue economy for job creation, economic recovery and growth.

    Besides, it is envisaged that the ports, under the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority, increase productivity and ensure efficient service delivery. The NPA, and the ports ecosystem as envisioned by the President, are expected to improve their operational efficiency to compete effectively with neighboring countries and become leading ports in the region.

    By maximizing the potentials of Nigeria’s marine resources, the NPA is expected to contribute significantly to economic growth and create more job opportunities, through improved and seamless user experience.

    A key focus, or attraction of this, expectedly is to create a more customer-friendly environment within the ports, including addressing issues like timely payment of compensation and providing adequate training and capacity development for employees and port users. The NPA’s efforts, under the new dispensation, are expected to align with the broader objectives of President Tinubu’s administration, which include promoting economic growth, creating jobs and enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness. In addition, the NPA is equally expected to play a vital role in advancing trade facilitation, which is a key aspect of Tinubu’s economic policies. The vision emphasises sustainable port services that are safe, secure and efficient.

    To realise these expectations, the NPA management under Dantsoho, undertook certain measures right from the preceding year, culminating in the steady upgrade of port infrastructural facilities in tandem with the broad objectives  that informed the creation of the Marine and the Blue Economy Ministry.

    The ministry, through its agencies, is envisioned to square up with the Energy sector, notably oil and gas, as a major revenue earner for the Federal Government, given Nigeria’s expansive coastline and the very robust shipping businesses, culminating in vibrant international trading activities manifesting in robust exports and imports of goods and services, and other related maritime activities offered to oil and gas companies, oil exploration and drilling conglomerates, as well as the several specialised free trade zones dotting the nation’s vast coastline.

    To harness the economic benefits inherent in the Nigeria’s extensive coastline, the NPA is positioned to act as the landlord, as it were, to provide and allocate acreages to the various operators in the maritime space to function and do their businesses. This requires the provision of relevant infrastructure, including roads, warehouses/storage facilities, provision of service equipment (cranes and payloaders, etc),  health facilities and water, just to mention but a few.

     NPA management has risen to the challenge, largely so, by leveraging on the decades-plus experience of the leadership in the maritime sector for the aggregation of the benefits derivable from Nigeria’s littoral assets and blue economy potentials.

    READ ALSO: Last twin standing

     New ports developments and rehabilitation

     The ports authority has also taken steps towards ports capacity building and expansion through the operationalisation of new ports and advancement of green port development. In this regard, Dantsoho, in May, led the NPA Management team to finalise an agreement for the $1billion development of Snake Island Port, in Lagos, to be built on an 85-hectare site within the Snake Island Integrated Free Zone. This is in addition to the Badagry Deep Seaport, Ondo Deep Seaport and Burutu Port, all of which are at various stages of development. With the Port Community System (PCS) and the National Single Window, amongst other initiatives aimed at enhanceing port competitiveness being aggressively implemented, the NPA is poised to transform its strategic intent of being the maritime logistics hub for sustainable port services in Africa and indeed other port formations.

    One area of interest in ensuring efficient service delivery that is receiving adequate attention, is  ports infrastructure rehabilitation. Again, work has commenced on the reconstruction of the old Tincan Island Port Complex, in addition to the comprehensive rehabilitation of Apapa, Rivers, Onne, Warri and Calabar ports’ complexes to certify their infrastructural integrity and bring them to parity with the contemporary demands of the international maritime ecosystem.

     Port Automation

    To align with the President’s vision for the maritime sector, the NPA leadership has wrapped up Nigeria’s membership of the International Port Community System Association (IPCSA), which is a necessary precursor to the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) project. Single Window operation is the global trade best practice for the electronic exchange of information relating to over 500 million TEU movements and billions of tonnes of cargo for sea, air and land freight modes.

     Electronic Truck-call up

    The electronic management of truck traffic administration which was conceived to sustainably tackle the excruciating traffic gridlock that hitherto characterised the port access roads, in Lagos, has been firmed up through the introduction of satellite truck parks and time belts resulting in significant ease of doing business at the ports. In addition, the insistence of the management on port efficiencies has culminated in Nigeria’s attainment of trade surplus of N5.81 trillion ($3.7 billion) in the third quarter of 2024 as reported by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) foreign trade alert through exports predominantly consummated on the platforms of the Nigerian Ports Authority.

    The NPA has equally put Public Private Partnership (PPP) modalities in motion to derive revenue from Ports Independent Power Production, Bunkering Stations, Fallow Lands for Logistics, fresh water provision and ship repairs and maintenance

    The Port Management Association of West & Central Africa (PMAWCA), of which the NPA Managing Director is the first Nigerian to be so elected since its inception in 1972 and the Pan-African Association for Port Cooperation (PAPC) which Dr. Dantsoho also leads, provide the diplomatic capital necessary for actualising Nigeria’s quest for re-admission into the influential “Category C” of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). NPA has provided the technical guidance responsible for the unprecedented increase in the number of trans-shipment cargo processed from the Lekki Deep Seaport to cater to the maritime needs of Nigeria’s landlocked neighboring countries and win back cargo hitherto lost to our maritime neighbors.

     Ports development

    Propelled by the current administration’s drive to expand the nation’s sea ports beyond the Lagos coastline, NPA is in the meantime, investing massively in the Eastern ports of Onne, Rivers State, Calabar in Cross River and Burutu in Delta State. The initiative is responsible for the year-on-year growth being recorded at Onne Port Complex, where the NPA chief and his team recently undertook an investment tour drive at the Onne Free Trade Zone Area. As a result, the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT)-APM Terminals Nigeria, recently received Hapag-Lloyd, one of the world’s leading Ocean liner shipping companies as it launched its service at the terminal. The launch of the new service was celebrated with a special ceremony at the WACT-APM Terminals at the Onne Port, heralding the partnership with Hapag-Lloyd’s weekly shipping service, directly connecting Eastern Nigeria to global trade routes.

    This strategic alliance underscores the commitment of WACT-APM Terminals to expanding Nigeria’s maritime capabilities and solidifying its position as a vital gateway for international commerce.

     The new service will significantly enhance connectivity, offering increased vessel capacity, improved transit times, and greater schedule reliability for businesses operating in Eastern coastline of Nigeria.

    The CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke, described the event as, not just a maiden call, but the launch of Hapag-Lloyd as a shipping line in Eastern Nigeria. He described the development is an important milestone and an indication of the strong partnership that APM Terminals has globally with Hapag-Lloyd.

    As he put it: “This is an important milestone in the Eastern part of Nigeria for building its potential. We in APM Terminals have a very strong belief in the Eastern Nigerian market. We are very proud of the partnership that we have with our shipping line customers, now, with Hapag Lloyd being among them, and our government partners, as well as the customers that we serve in the East. What we are really trying to do is to lift the Eastern Nigerian market. There is a lot of trade potential that requires better logistic solutions.”

    The Country Managing Director, Hapag-Lloyd, Himmat Ahlawat, described Nigeria as one of the most important markets, while also reiterating that customer service is the biggest priority for the Hapag-Lloyd team.

    He said: “We consider Nigeria as one of the most important markets, if not the most important in Africa of which th eastern route in the country is very critical. Without calling Eastern Nigeria, our ambitions here will remain unfulfilled. In Hapag Lloyd, the biggest priority we have is customer service. If there are no customers and our customers are not happy, then we have no right to exist. So, our actual stated aim is to be the undisputed king of customer service. So that is something we should bring on the table, because we use a variety of digital tools to help our customers, which the rest of the market has still not started using.”

     Noteworthy Port Statistics

    The 2024 Consolidated Management Report of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) highlights significant improvements in port activities, with multiple indicators pointing to robust growth across various sectors. From cargo throughput to ship traffic and service boat operations, the Nigerian ports have experienced remarkable progress.

    One of the most notable achievements in 2024 was the substantial increase in cargo throughput. Cargo traffic surged by 45.1 per cent, rising from 71,213,197 metric tons in 2023 to 103,336,863 metric tons in 2024. This increase reflects heightened trade activities and improved operational efficiency. Lekki Port stood out as the leader in cargo throughput growth, recording a 2,160.8 per cent increase, followed by Onne Port with a 9.4 per cent rise and Tin Can Island Port with 7.3 per cent growth. Notably, Liquid Bulk cargo accounted for the largest share at 55.6 per cent, while containerised cargo contributed 20.9 per cent.

    Increase in Ship Traffic

    The Nigerian ports also recorded impressive gains in ship traffic. The number of ship calls increased by 5.6 per cent, growing from 3,791 in 2023 to 4,005 in 2024. This was accompanied by an even more substantial 15.4 per cent growth in Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT), which climbed from 123,660,278 to 142,660,418 tons.

    Lekki Port again led the growth trend, registering a 477.6 per cent increase in ship calls, while Onne Port experienced a 5.8 per cent rise.

    The total container throughput also saw a significant 9.7 per cent increase, with 1,744,972 TEUs handled in 2024, compared to 1,591,194 TEUs in 2023. Within this category, laden containers grew by 12.2 per cent, with export-laden containers experiencing an outstanding 53.7 per cent rise. Trans shipment container traffic saw an even more impressive 136.5 per cent increase, indicating a growing role for Nigerian ports in regional cargo redistribution.

     Service Boat Operations Boom

    During the period, service boat operations recorded an exceptional 49.6 per cent increase in activity, with the number of boats handled growing from 8,956 in 2023 to 13,396 in 2024. Additionally, the Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) for service boats soared by 129.3 per cent, jumping from 1,997,163 tons to 4,579,742 tons. This reflects enhanced offshore activities and better service infrastructure at the ports. The operational efficiency of Nigerian ports also showed improvement. The Average Turn-Around Time for vessels decreased from 4.7 days to 4.6 days, reflecting a 1.0 per cent improvement in port operations. Lekki Port demonstrated the highest efficiency, with an average vessel turnaround time of just 2.5 days.

    Furthermore, Berth Occupancy Rate improved from 30.1  per cent in 2023 to 33 per cent in 2024, signifying increased port utilization and operational effectiveness.

     Industrial harmony

    In keeping with his inaugural address, the leadership has since his appointment, placed employee matters on top of the Authority’s agenda through unprecedented collaboration with the Maritime Workers Union (MWUN) and the senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government Owned companies (SSASGOC).

    Only recently, the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola and Dantsoho received the commendation of the coalition of Maritime Workers for clearing the age long backlog problem of employee stagnation by conducting promotion examination in one fell swoop to the admiration of the Union and its members. This is in addition to an increase in productivity bonus, provision of end-of-year welfare items to staff and the review of the Financial Guide to the Condition Service which has comprehensively responded to workers’ yearnings for increase in response to inflationary trends.

     Dangote, Stakeholders Commend Dantsoho

    Following the exception performance, stakeholders including Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), truckers, commended Dantsoho stressing that the Marine and Blue Economy sector  has witnessed tremendous expansion.

    While speaking during a courtesy call to the NPA headquarters in Lagos, President of the Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote explained that as the biggest customer to the NPA, it is important that the interaction between NPA and DIL is sustained.

    He said: “We are here to thank the NPA for doing a great job, because as we speak today, we are the biggest or largest customer to NPA. I think this kind of interaction between us and them is very important for the growth of the industry. So, we discussed quite a lot of issues. We also discussed issues of how to deepen the Marine and Blue Economy of the nation. And we have agreed to actually work together for the benefit of Nigeria.

    “The size of our own operation at Lekki alone is going to be almost 240 ships of crude, with each ship carrying one million crude each. And then we’ll have products which now will amount to over 600 ships in a year. Then we also have our fertilizer operation, which will be loading almost eight ships. This is an operation that has never, ever been seen in the country.

    “So, it’s a major challenge. But with the leadership of the NPA, we are very comfortable that they’ll be able to deliver.”

    Recently, cargo truckers in Rivers State commended the NPA for opening the completed section of ‘Road D’ at the Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT), Onne Port, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

    Speaking on behalf of the truck drivers, Mr Adolphus Ugwu, Haulage District Chairman, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Eastern Ports, applauded NPA, and the Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) for the development

    Ugwu told journalists that truckers see the opening of the road as a welcome development. He thanked NPA and OMT for working in synergy to open the Road D, which he said will address road challenges facing truckers at FOT, Onne Port.

    “For this reason, Truckers commended NPA for a job well done. As drivers we are also commending Onne Multi Purpose Terminal (OMT), for their effort for the opening of the completed portion of Road D,” Ugwu stated.

    Also, the Secretary General of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Mohamed Sani Bala, declared a vote of confidence in the electronic call-up system introduced by NPA to tackle gridlock on the Apapa and Tin-Can port access roads.

    Sani-Bala, who stated this after peaceful rally in Apapa, applauded the NPA for the initiative that has brought sanity to the port access roads.

    He stated further that the impact of eliminating gridlock and improving traffic flow along logistics corridors has made for seamless evacuation of cargoes.

  • Oyetola rallies Island nations for Nigeria’s IMO Council bid

    Oyetola rallies Island nations for Nigeria’s IMO Council bid

    Nigeria has stepped up its diplomatic campaign for a seat on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council as Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola held strategic talks with leaders of small island nations during the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France.

    The meetings, held on the sidelines of the global event, were part of the country’s push to secure election into Category C of the IMO Council later this year.

    Oyetola met separately with Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape, Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment, Dr. Joyelle Clarke, and Tuvalu’s Minister of Home Affairs, Climate Change and Environment, Dr. Maina Vakafua Talia.

    The meetings underscore Nigeria’s commitment to building alliances with countries that, though geographically distant, share common vulnerabilities and aspirations within the global maritime community.

    According to the minister, “Nigeria’s quest for a seat on the IMO Council is not driven by ambition alone but by a desire to ensure greater representation for African nations, developing countries, and vulnerable coastal and island states in global maritime decision-making.”

    He assured Nigeria would be a reliable ally, advocating for stronger global commitments to maritime decarbonisation.

    He noted that Nigeria’s dedication to these principles is underscored by the establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023 by President Bola Tinubu. This move, he explained, reflects Nigeria’s renewed commitment to sustainable ocean governance, blue economic growth, and building resilience against climate change.

    Oyetola described how the country is reimagining its relationship with the sea through initiatives ranging from port modernisation and enhanced maritime security to ocean sustainability and the development of coastal communities.

    “Nigeria is not merely seeking isolation support but is extending an offer of partnership. The vision for an IMO Council is one that actively protects the interests of the most vulnerable nations,” he stated, pledging that the country would use its voice, its vote, and its regional influence to advocate for the priorities of developing nations.

    Read Also: Oyetola donates life jackets to LASWA

    He indicated the country’s preparedness to push for a more equitable maritime regulatory framework that acknowledges disparities in national capacities, supports accessible climate-smart shipping technologies, and fosters practical cooperation in developing sustainable blue economies between island nations and African coastal states like Nigeria.

    Oyetola further reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to serve as a credible voice for developing nations within the international maritime system, forging alliances based on shared challenges and mutual interests.

    As the IMO Council elections approach, Nigeria is positioning itself as a Category C candidate committed to inclusivity, equity, and climate-resilient maritime development in an increasingly interconnected and environmentally vulnerable world.

  • ‘How Lekki Freeport Terminal is redefining maritime landscapes’

    ‘How Lekki Freeport Terminal is redefining maritime landscapes’

    The critical role of the maritime sector in the economy of any country cannot be overstated. It plays a significant role in enhancing trade and commerce by facilitating international trade, enabling the import and export of goods, including raw materials, manufactured goods and energy resources. Generally, the maritime sector is a vital component of a country’s economy, providing numerous benefits and opportunities for growth and development.

    Since the commencement of commercial operations on April 1, 2023, Lekki Freeport Terminal (LFT), the Container Terminal Operator of the Lekki Deep Sea Port, has been on a steady growth trajectory in terms of performance, thereby putting Nigeria on the global maritime map.

    In line with its vision, the operation of the Port terminal will help simplify trade and facilitate economic development not only for Nigeria but for the entire West African subregion. The terminal offers robust automation, digitisation, and innovation in its processes, from vessel berthing to cargo delivery, while ensuring the highest global maritime safety standards. It is designed to bridge the supply chain gap and sustainably connect trade between Nigeria and the rest of the world.

    The Lekki Freeport Terminal operated by CMA Terminals, a subsidiary of the CMA CGM Group, the world’s third-largest container shipping company is transforming the sector with a strong growth performance volume record of 238,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) throughput for 2024 resulting in 40 per cent year-over-year (YoY) growth (2025 vs 2024) with 2024 being the first full year of operations.

    Twenty-foot equivalent units are a standard unit of measurement used in the shipping industry to determine the capacity of container ships and ports.

    READ ALSO; June 12: Remembrance and omissions

    A record that highlights the terminal’s rising profile as a preferred gateway for Nigeria’s import and export trade.

    This remarkable strong growth for LFT can be attributed to several factors, but at the top of the list is the fact that the terminal is fully automated with world-class, state-of-the-art facilities, which make operations seamless, guarantee quick turnaround times and drive excellence. These facilities enhance port operations and enable LFT to turn around vessels faster than other ports.

    The terminal also boasts a complement of the latest super-post panamax ship-to-shore cranes with twin lift capacity, a 65-ton under-spread load, and a 21-container-wide reach. To ensure seamless cargo inspection and clearance, the terminal is equipped with two Fast Scan (FS) 6000 scanners, capable of scanning containers in a matter of minutes. The terminal is also supported with four (80-ton bollard pull tug boats provided and operated by the Nigerian Ports Authority for safe navigation and berthing of large vessels at the terminal.

    For ease of cargo clearance, the Lekki Freeport Terminal operates a Vehicle Booking System (VBS) Auto Gate System, an electronic platform for ease of cargo clearance using radio frequency identification tags and biometrics, which allows customers to book trucks in advance from the comfort of their homes or offices.

    In April 2025, LFT achieved a milestone with 6,885 TEUs in export volume, which is the highest recorded in a single month since the terminal began operations.

    While this figure is approximately 20 per cent below export volumes posted at Apapa Port, it nonetheless reflects a strong upward trajectory for LFT and affirms the terminal’s increasing role in boosting Nigeria’s overall export capacity.

    The terminal has continued to operate free of congestion, both at the quay and in the yard, setting it apart from other overcrowded terminals in Lagos. This efficiency has significantly boosted investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector. With its barging handling service, Lekki Freeport Terminal offers efficient barge discharge and loading operations, supporting operators in multiple inland corridors within Nigeria.

    Lekki Freeport Terminal remains further committed to becoming the leading maritime hub in West Africa, particularly by forming strategic partnerships with global shipping giants and positioning the Lekki Port as a key node in regional and international trade.

    The terminal now enjoys regular weekly calls from major global shipping lines, including CMA CGM, Maersk Line, COSCO, Ocean Network Express (ONE) and ZIM/GSL. These services are expected to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) and enhance Nigeria’s standing in global maritime trade.

    One of the major concerns of maritime stakeholders has been the issue of accessibility and cargo evacuation from the terminal. Currently, significant progress has been achieved with the port road extension, particularly with the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and the recently approved construction of the 7th Axial Road (06 above) are strategically important for evacuating cargo from Lekki Port.

    The 7th Axial Road is expected to provide an alternative direct access to the A121 Lagos-Benin Expressway. The road spans a distance of 25 km and is anticipated to be developed in two phases, with completion projected for 2028. The current travel time for trucks from LFT to Lagos using the Coastal Road to the A121 Road is 4.5 hours. With the 7th Axial Road, travel time is expected to reduce significantly.

    Additionally, with the Federal Government considering the possibility of connecting the axis to the National Rail network, the evacuation of cargo from the terminal to other parts of the country, as well as to neighbouring landlocked countries, will be enhanced.

    With the existing truck service time of 1.1 hours upon arrival at LFT gates and the ongoing road upgrade plans, LFT has a competitive advantage over other ports in Lagos. This is particularly true considering the multiple access corridors to and from the port.

  • Truckers decry port corridor extortion, defend e-call up

    Truckers decry port corridor extortion, defend e-call up

    A major protest rocked Lagos ports yesterday as maritime truck drivers and owners marched from the Lilypond Truck Park in Ijora to the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.

    They denounced the growing extortion rackets and operational inefficiencies that have plagued port access roads.

    The protesters, waving placards and chanting slogans, warned against scrapping the electronic call-up system (also known as ETO) introduced by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), even as they raised alarm over multiple illegal checkpoints and the black-market resale of digital call-up slots at exorbitant prices.

    Findings by The Nation revealed that truckers are being forced to pay between N250,000 and N400,000 for call-up tickets, while also facing extortion fees of N5,000 to N20,000 per checkpoint en route to the ports.

    “The extortion and racketeering have become unbearable. We want to appeal to the management of the NPA to please reduce the number of extortion checkpoints along the port corridors as truckers are losing a lot of proceeds to the activities of the people operating most of these checkpoints,”  the Secretary General of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Mohamed Sani Bala stated.

    READ ALSO; The fire next door

    Protesters carried placards with messages such as “ETO call-up is working,” “No to policy summersault, Let ETO be,” “Thank you NPA for being ETO call-up! It has reduced traffic, eliminated extortion checkpoints,” and “MTDA supports ETO call-up against going back to Egypt”, a biblical allusion to their rejection of returning to the disorganised past.

    Truckers urged the government to introduce Electronic Tags (ETAG) and a truck scheduling system to prevent manipulation of the call-up process and ensure that only authorised trucks access the port.

    Chairman of the Lagos State Trucks and Cargo Operators Committee (LASTCOC), Lukman Shittu, the ongoing attacks against the electronic system are being orchestrated by individuals who benefitted from the old disorderly system.

    “People calling for a return to the old system are not representing real stakeholders. Those were the ones benefiting from the disorder,” he said.

    Zangalo, a senior member of the trucking community with over 20 years of experience, echoed similar sentiments. “If terminals like APMT or ENL are not operating efficiently, trucks can’t move. And TTP won’t release more trucks, leading to a backlog,” he explained, urging better terminal coordination.

    Also speaking, Public Relations Officer of the Maritime Truck Drivers Association (MTDA), Afeez Alabi, warned that any reversal to the old manual access regime would cripple operations.

    “The digital system has brought transparency and order to truck movement in and out of the ports, exposing irregularities and significantly reducing traffic congestion,” Alabi said.

    However, he noted that while the ETO system was initially introduced at a cost of N10,250, extortionists now resell call-up slots for over N120,000, highlighting the need to clamp down on corruption within the process.

    The truckers maintained that the e-call-up system has drastically reduced traffic gridlock on Apapa port corridors and warned that its abandonment would roll back years of progress in port decongestion.

  • Why African wealth remains trapped underground, by Maritime Bank boss

    Why African wealth remains trapped underground, by Maritime Bank boss

    The President/CEO of the Regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB), Adeniran Aderogba, has urged African nations to confront the structural and financial barriers that continue to hinder the continent’s mining sector.

    The maritime guru lamented that while financial institutions on the continent are increasingly interested in value-added ventures like processing and manufacturing, the upstream segment — where mining projects are initiated and developed, Aderogaba said, “Remains largely unfunded due to its perceived risk.

    Speaking during a high-level panel discussion on “Mobilising Domestic Capital for Africa’s Mining Sector” at the African Development Bank (AfDB) Annual Meetings just concluded in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Aderogba highlighted four persistent constraints obstructing the sector’s growth: a crippling shortage of early-stage capital, the absence of quality geological data, weak development activity, and a chronic lack of integrated infrastructure. These issues, he said, are not merely technical bottlenecks but foundational deficiencies that continue to blunt Africa’s competitiveness and discourage long-term investment

    He painted a sobering picture of a region brimming with mineral wealth yet stalled by systemic weaknesses that prevent meaningful development and value creation.

    “Africa’s mineral wealth is not in question — our challenge is transforming potential into productivity,” Aderogba said. “We are facing a systemic shortage of early-stage capital that discourages exploration, limits geological mapping, and stalls project preparation. Without addressing these constraints, the full value of our resources will remain trapped underground.”

    The Maritime Bank CEO noted that local financial institutions are often reluctant to fund early-stage exploration because of uncertain returns and limited mechanisms to mitigate risk.

    He proposed that African governments and central banks adopt a more assertive role in shaping a viable investment environment, including deploying credit enhancement tools and fiscal incentives.

    To bridge the financing gap, Aderogba outlined a strategic suite of financial innovations. These include the introduction of mining bonds, mineral royalty securitisation, and blended finance models that combine public and private funds to de-risk investments. He also emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships and the urgent need to strengthen project preparation capacity across the continent.

    “Africa must not rely solely on foreign capital. We need to build a resilient domestic financial architecture that supports the full mining value chain — from exploration to beneficiation and beyond,” he said. “Finance ministries must provide fiscal incentives while central banks support investment-friendly monetary policies and guarantee frameworks.”

    Aderogba’s remarks were especially timely given the global acceleration of the energy transition, which has catapulted demand for minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, and rare earth elements. He cited projections showing the global market value for these critical minerals is expected to more than double from US$325 billion in 2023 to US$770 billion by 2040, with copper leading the surge due to its indispensable role in electrification technologies.

    Africa, he stressed, is central to this transition. The continent is home to two-thirds of global cobalt reserves, 30 percent of lithium, 20 percent of graphite, and over 30 percent of manganese.

    “This places Africa not at the periphery, but at the heart of the global energy transition,” Aderogba stated. He highlighted Guinea’s vast bauxite reserves, Gabon’s dominance in manganese production, and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s 70 percent share of global cobalt supply as key pillars of this opportunity.

    However, he warned that unless Africa shifts from being a raw material exporter to a hub of industrial transformation, it risks repeating the historical pattern of resource dependency.

    “Extracting minerals is not enough. The real value lies in processing them locally, creating industries, jobs, and self-sustaining economies,” he said.

    Adding a crucial maritime dimension, Aderogba underscored the role of Africa’s seaborne infrastructure in realising the continent’s full economic potential. “To facilitate intra-African trade, minerals must benefit from major value addition, giving rise to rapid industrialisation,” he said. “The goods produced through that industrialisation — vehicles, batteries, components, machinery — can then be traded across African borders and efficiently moved through our major maritime channels.”

    This integrated vision, he explained, would not only strengthen Africa’s internal markets but also reduce its dependence on external trade corridors and pricing systems. He said this perspective is rooted in RMDB’s broader mission: to enhance the maritime and logistical connectivity of Africa’s coastal and landlocked countries, turning mineral wealth into tangible, tradable value across the continent.

    Aderogba also welcomed growing international interest in Africa’s mining sector but cautioned that global partnerships must contribute to local capacity building and value chain development.

    “Africa must act with unity and urgency. Mobilising domestic capital is not just an economic imperative — it is a sovereign necessity,” he declared. “Let us rise to meet the moment and build an Africa that thrives on the strength of its resources, connected by land, by industry, and by sea.”

    He added that in a century defined by climate action and technological upheaval, Africa’s minerals may very well be its passport to prosperity — “if the continent can summon the collective will to finance its future,” he said.

  • UBA, Zenith, Jaiz, 9 others to disburse $360m cabotage cash

    UBA, Zenith, Jaiz, 9 others to disburse $360m cabotage cash

    The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has confirmed the expanded list of Primary Lending Institutions (PLIs) approved to disburse the long-awaited Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), a key intervention scheme aimed at empowering indigenous shipowners.

    The refined list includes a mix of eight commercial banks, one non-interest (Islamic) bank, two development finance institutions, and a relatively new entrant into the financial space. This expansion is seen as a strategic move to increase access to vessel financing and broaden participation across different financial ecosystems.

    The Nation confirms that the 12 institutions now on the expanded PLI list are: Fidelity Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Jaiz Bank, Optimus Bank, First Bank, SunTrust Bank, Union Bank, Zenith Bank, Lotus Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), and the Bank of Industry (BOI).

    While earlier announcements listed only 10 banks, the spokesperson for NIMASA, Edward Osagie, clarified yesterday that Optimus Bank and BoI are the final two to complete the list.

    The expanded list builds on NIMASA’s earlier efforts in 2023, when five banks—Union Bank, Zenith Bank, Polaris Bank, UBA, and Jaiz Bank, were appointed as PLIs.

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    The addition of seven more institutions, including the Bank of Industry and Optimus Bank, broadens the financial network and enhances accessibility. The Bank of Industry, a development finance institution, brings expertise in supporting industrial and economic growth, while Optimus Bank, a newer player with a national commercial banking license, adds agility to the mix.

    The CVFF, established under the Coastal and Inland Shipping Act of 2003, is designed to provide financial support to Nigerian shipowners for vessel acquisition and capacity development, fostering local content and reducing foreign dominance in the nation’s maritime trade. After years of delays and regulatory hurdles, the recent appointment of these 12 PLIs marks a pivotal moment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, with strong backing from the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

    Funded through a 2 per cent surcharge on all cabotage contracts executed in Nigerian waters, the CVFF has accumulated over $360 million, according to various official estimates. Under the funding structure, NIMASA contributes 50 per cent, the PLIs finance 35 per cent, and the shipowner provides 15 per cent equity.

    NIMASA’s Executive Director of Cabotage Services, Jubril Abba, underscored the fund’s role in invigorating maritime activities. “This disbursement will empower indigenous operators and create significant employment opportunities for Nigerian seafarers,” he said, commending the government’s decisive action.

    Legal consultant, Adedoyin Afun further clarified eligibility criteria, noting that vessels must be owned, operated, and managed by Nigerians and purchased within 12 months prior to loan application, aligning with the Cabotage Act’s provisions.

    While NIMASA has not publicly disclosed the exact number of institutions that applied to become PLIs, a public notice issued in November 2024 invited Deposit Money Banks licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria and local and foreign Development Financial Institutions to express interest. The notice outlined stringent requirements, including a commitment to provide 35 per cent counterpart funding at a weighted average single-digit interest rate and ensuring beneficiaries contribute 15 per cent equity.

    The CVFF disbursement, with a loan tenure of eight years and a maximum contribution of $25 million per applicant, is poised to reshape Nigeria’s maritime landscape. As Mobereola noted, “This represents not just the end of a long wait but the beginning of a new era for Nigerian shipping.” With the 12 PLIs now in place, the maritime sector anticipates a surge in local capacity, job creation, and economic resilience.

  • Group urges transparency from NPA over financial, procurement processes

    Group urges transparency from NPA over financial, procurement processes

    The Movement For Democracy (MFD), a civic democratic and accountability group has called on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to provide greater clarity on recent concerns surrounding its financial management and procurement practices. 

    This followed the NPA’s recent dismissal of media reports alleging multi-billion-naira irregularities in its operations, which the agency described as spurious and lacking credibility.

    In its official response, the NPA stated that its activities are governed by strict oversight from the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Budget Office of the Federation, and the National Assembly. 

    It also stressed that contracts and expenditures were executed in line with the Procurement Act, 2007 and that allegations regarding improper conduct were either misrepresentations or completely false.

    However, the MFD, in a statement by its national coordinator, Osaze Samuel, noted that the NPA’s statement did not sufficiently address several important public concerns.

    In particular, the group asked the NPA to clarify whether any supplementary budgets were created to support projects such as dredging and marine equipment procurement and whether such budgets were formally approved by the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

    The MFD also requested more detailed information about the approval process for the dredging of the Warri Escravos Channel. 

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    Part of the statement read: “While the MFD welcomes the NPA’s willingness to respond to public concerns, we find its rebuttal to be evasive, lacking in transparency, and disturbingly dismissive of serious allegations that touch on public accountability, fiscal discipline, and institutional integrity.

    “In a democracy, public institutions are not only expected to act within the law but must also demonstrate a culture of openness and accountability, especially when confronted with grave concerns from the citizenry.

    “Why did the NPA opt for a restricted emergency procurement process, instead of a competitive open tender, which is a clear violation of Sections 24–27 of the Public Procurement Act (PPA), 2007?

    “Professionalism demands more than verbal assurances – it requires a publication of a contractor payment schedule and a breakdown of pending files (if any) stuck within the Finance Department.”

    While the NPA referred to the use of emergency procurement procedures due to siltation concerns, the group questioned whether the project was reviewed and approved at a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting and if a thorough survey was conducted to determine the scope of work required.

    The group stressed the need for transparency and proactive disclosure from public institutions, particularly those handling significant national infrastructure and revenue streams. 

    Samuel reiterated that while the MFD supports infrastructural development in the maritime sector, public confidence can only be maintained through open engagement, independent verification, and a demonstrable commitment to accountability.

    The MFD called on the NPA to consider publishing relevant project documentation, including contract details and payment records, to foster greater public trust.

  • Oyetola moves to scrap cabotage waivers for foreign ships

    Oyetola moves to scrap cabotage waivers for foreign ships

    Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has declared an imminent end to the longstanding regime of cabotage waivers granted to foreign shipping operators, in a bold push to boost indigenous capacity in the maritime industry,

    Oyetola made this declaration in Abuja while receiving a high-powered delegation from NNPC Shipping, Swedish maritime giant Stena Bulk, and Caverton Offshore Support Group.

    The visit marked the formal unveiling of Unity Shipping World (USW), a new joint venture between the three companies aimed at providing robust tanker operations for crude oil, refined products, and LNG within Nigeria and internationally.

    “The era of indiscriminate waivers is coming to an end,” Oyetola said firmly.

    “We cannot continue to undermine our local capacity under the guise of temporary foreign intervention. It is time to build Nigerian tonnage, support Nigerian jobs, and give indigenous operators a fair chance to thrive. That is the only sustainable path to maritime development.”

    The Cabotage Act of 2003 restricts Nigeria’s inland and coastal shipping routes to Nigerian-owned, built, and crewed vessels. But a system of waivers  introduced to make up for shortfalls in local capacity has often seen foreign vessels dominate these routes, to the detriment of local players.

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    To reverse this trend, Oyetola stressed that Nigeria must now back its words with action.

     He directed the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to fast-track disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), a pool of levies collected to help local shipowners acquire vessels.

    “The disbursement of the CVFF is no longer optional; it is imperative. Our indigenous operators must be empowered to acquire modern vessels and effectively render services that have, for too long, been dominated by foreign shipping concerns,” he declared.

    Oyetola also reaffirmed plans to launch a national shipping line through a Public-Private Partnership model, a move he said would make Nigeria a regional force in maritime logistics.

    Welcoming the development, Chief Executive Officer  of Caverton Offshore Support Group, Bode Makanjuola, described Unity Shipping World as “a game-changer” for Nigeria’s maritime landscape.

    He said the company will focus on acquiring a modern fleet and building local human capital.

    “This partnership is the culmination of extensive planning and shared vision,” Makanjuola said. “It combines local expertise with international best practices to create a maritime powerhouse. Unity Shipping World will proudly fly the Nigerian flag and play a critical role in training and empowering Nigerian seafarers.”

    Managing Director of NNPC Shipping, Panos Gliatis, said the partnership is strategic.

    “With this alliance, we are enhancing domestic refining, imports, and exports — reinforcing Nigeria’s pivotal role in global energy logistics,” he noted.

    Echoing the sentiment, President and Chief Executive Officer  of Stena Bulk, Erik Hånell, said: “We are committed to operational excellence and expanding into key energy markets. This partnership supports our long-term strategy while advancing Nigeria’s energy and shipping landscape.”

    The moves come amid renewed government focus on blue economy development and indigenous empowerment in a sector long dominated by foreign control.